If an ARA member has a conflict of interest but all principals agree to their services, what can they do?

In situations where an ARA member identifies a conflict of interest, it is essential to understand how to navigate these circumstances ethically. When all principals involved in the decision-making process agree to continue utilizing the services of the ARA member despite the conflict, the most appropriate course of action is to proceed with the client. This scenario assumes that the members have conducted a proper assessment of the conflict and determined that it is manageable or that the involved parties are comfortable proceeding.

However, proceeding with the client in such situations often carries the responsibility of ensuring transparency and that all parties are adequately informed regarding the nature of the conflict. While immediate disclosure and communication might be necessary, the agreement among principals signifies that they have consciously acknowledged the conflict and chosen to move forward, presuming that ethical practices are upheld throughout the engagement.

In contrast, refusing to work with the client or terminating membership are more extreme measures that may not be warranted if all involved parties have agreed to the arrangement. Disclosing the conflict is a crucial process, yet, in the context of the question where all principals consented, directly proceeding with the client is deemed acceptable. Overall, the emphasis here lies in the importance of consensus among key stakeholders in managing conflicts of interest within professional services.